I was thinking this weekend how entwined music and writing actually are. Songs tell stories just like books do – they have to squeeze them into three or four minutes and they often rely on emotion to convey the story in such a small space of time. Heartbreak, love, anger, pain – it’s all poured out so we can feel the song the way they want us to. We can learn from songs in our writing – although we have far more words at our disposal to tell our story, we should not ignore the part emotion plays in getting a story across. We should want our readers to feel the same way a songwriter wants them to feel.
I usually listen to music when I’m writing. I know a lot of writers do. Mainly so we’re not stuck in silence all day but for me it does help put me in a good place to write. It helps to listen to music that conveys the emotion I want my story to. It also gets me thinking about the characters in my story - what music would they be listening to? How would music make them feel? In the same way, films use music to add emotion to a scene, I sometimes imagine what song would be playing at a particular moment in a story. It helps to picture the scene and draw out as much emotion as possible.
I read a lot of books that mention songs or use music to help get emotion across to the reader. Some writers include playlists on their websites so we can listen to what they heard when they were writing. I would definitely consider doing that. Stephenie Meyer was probably the first to really show how music inspired her writing . I enjoy discovering the soundtracks to books I’ve enjoyed in the same way as I enjoy the music in films – it brings the story to life.
I also think writing young adults means music plays an even bigger role than in adult books. Music played a imporant role in my teenage years. Even now, when I hear a song I loved when I was younger, it takes me back to that time. Music is even more accessible today for teens, with iPods permanently implanted in their ears. We just need to make sure we don’t impose our taste on them if we include music in our writing 
I love it when I hear a song that connects to my story now. That makes me feel. That seems to say what I’m thinking. And I love it more when I’m surprised by it. I heard a Pixie Lott song the other day and the lyrics stood out instantly. They seemed to be singing my story. It was strange to connect to Pixie as we are world’s apart in many ways (although we do share a first name!) but that’s what I love so much about music. It brings different people together all the time. Just look around you when you go to a concert.
So close but it’s still so far
I figured out what’s in my heart
I took a step out of the dark
Now I’m on my wayAnd I pray somehow something’s gonna change
A lot of songs inspire me and I’d love to be able to that with my writing one day. I think songs and books have a way of sharing stories in an inspiring and emotive way and I’m sure music will guide my writing for a long time to come.
I’ll leave you with the Pixie Lott song in full – Bright Lights (part 2):
Does music play role in your writing?
Victoria
xoxo
kford2007
/ April 10, 2012Have you heard her song, “Dancing with Myself”? Love that!
Love music that speaks to my writing. I often look for music that I’d like to see on the soundtrack when my novel is made into a movie (yes, I dream big, but what’s the point in dreaming if we don’t dream big, right?)
Victoria-writes
/ April 10, 2012Definitely, you gotta dream big and I love the idea of creating a soundtrack like that! I’ll have a listen to that one thanks!
kford2007
/ April 10, 2012*sorry about the title. It’s Dancing on My Own.. I’m such a dingbat sometimes.
Victoria-writes
/ April 10, 2012Haha dingbat hilarious!
Pany
/ April 10, 2012I listen to music when I’m writing. But I must say that when it gets on my nerves I turn it off. Especially when I’m in the middle of a great idea or writing passionately – I sometimes need my imagination to be left to think!
But yes, of course, music and writing are definitely entwined. Great post
Victoria-writes
/ April 10, 2012Yeah sometimes you have to focus away from any distractions. Writing passionately – love that!
suzicate
/ April 10, 2012I think music is so powerful because it not only tells a story we can relate to but the rhythm moves us as well.
Victoria-writes
/ April 11, 2012I agree, it can lift you up when you feel down which is pretty important!
susielindau
/ April 10, 2012My WIP takes place in the South of France and I have been trying to find the French 1960′s album my boss used to play when I worked retail….Great point!
Victoria-writes
/ April 11, 2012I hope you find it!
C.B. Wentworth
/ April 10, 2012I can’t write without music. Every piece has a soundtrack playlist on my iPod. Both of my novels in particular have extensive playlists that link to every plot point!
Victoria-writes
/ April 11, 2012That’s a great idea, love that!
4amWriter
/ April 10, 2012Yup, love music when I write. I switch it up depending on my mood, but I’ll listen to anything except for heavy metal with screeching. That’s just really not my cup o’ tea.
Victoria-writes
/ April 11, 2012I’m the same!!
Kourtney Heintz
/ April 11, 2012I do enjoy listening to music while typing, but I found that I have to revise on paper without it. Because the music stimulated emotions that the words on paper didn’t. It fooled me into thinking my writing evoked emotions when it didn’t do it on its own. I think it’s cool to draft to music, but when revising silence is golden.
Victoria-writes
/ April 11, 2012Yeah I can see that. You do have to really concentrate when revising!
Tien
/ April 14, 2012I love music too. I used to listen to music when I do my mathschool homework. It calms me and I don’t lose my temper easily when I can’t solve a math problem!
Victoria-writes
/ April 14, 2012Haha I’d need it as I’m rubbish at math!